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Mashonaland East Bureau
A Marondera tobacco farmer, Andrew Gore, has urged youths who benefited from the land reform programme to fully utilise land and contribute to the economic development of the nation.
Mr Gore, who this year put 100 hectares under tobacco and close to 80 hectares under maize, appealed to authorities to give more land to those farmers who are serious about farming and who will contribute to the attainment of Vision 2030 of Zimbabwe as proclaimed by President Mnangagwa.
Mr Gore, urged all youths who are into farming to contribute, like any other hard working farmers, to make Zimbabwe the food basket of Africa again and contribute to its economic turn around.
During a tour of his rented farm with The Herald in Marondera this week, Mr Gore commended Government for liberating the country and ultimately giving the majority an opportunity to work positively for the nation through various sectors, agriculture included.
“I started tobacco farming about six years ago, and back then I was renting just a single hectare. From there I invested back into tobacco all the profit I earned after selling the produce.
“Currently, I rent tobacco farms and my wish is to have land in my name. I have the potential to put world-class infrastructure if I get land.
“However, I applied for land and I am optimistic that I will benefit from the programme. I trust my Government and while i am waiting, I have to work hard and support my Government.
Mr Gore called out to youths who benefited from the Land Reform Programme to utilise land profitably.
“My appeal to my colleagues is to use the land they benefited from productively. They should put to use all the inputs they receive from the Government and not to squander them.
“Some of them, if they get a lump sum from selling their produce, they spent weeks recklessly spending that money instead of investing it back into the farm.
“We should, as youths, be responsible and work towards transforming ourselves and the nation. Land is the economy and agriculture the backbone of our economic development. We should, at all cost, use our land productively,” Mr Gore said.
He also said the decentralisation of auction floors is a step in the right direction and beneficial to tobacco farmers.
“The move assists farmers in terms of transport costs and time. It is also a good move since a lot of farmers have fallen victim to robbers in Harare. We applaud the move.
“I also have an advice to contracted farmers, please avoid side markets, be faithful and reliable.” Currently he employs about 250 workers during the tobacco season.
Mr Gore said his dream is to have his own piece of land, where he can put all the necessary infrastructure which will enable him to practice smart agriculture.
He is also expecting a bumper harvest.
Online Reporter